New for 2014 Scion J D Power

Dubbed a so-called youth brand with models that actually appeal to a much broader demographic, Scion returns for 2014 with key new features across its lineup. All Scions are now equipped with a standard touch-screen audio system and available with an optional smartphone-linked infotainment system.

In addition to these upgrades, the FR-S sports front-seat knee pads that should be welcome during spirited drives on twisty roads, while the 20 14 xD offers a couple of new exterior color options. The tiny iQ debuts a new Monogram Series variant, and the tC hatchback aims to attract buyers with revised styling, retuned chassis, updated available automatic transmission, and a limited-production 10 Series edition .

As this article is written, the 2013 Scion xB continues to be sold, but is expected to be discontinued for the 2014 model year.

2014 Scion FR-S

Scion’s sporty, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) 2-door coupe gets a few welcome additions for 2014, including front door- and console-mounted knee pads that enthusiasts are sure to appreciate while tossing the car from side to side on curvy back roads. Like other Scion models, the 2014 FR-S also benefits from a new standard touch-screen audio system with a 6.1-inch display, HD Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. If they so choose, buyers can instead opt for a new smartphone-linked infotainment system with navigation capability, access to Internet radio and social media sites, and more.

First introduced for the 2013 model year, the FR-S features a 200-horsepower 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, 4-passenger seating, standard 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires, and safety items including 6 air bags.

What’s New:

Standard touch-screen audio system

Optional smartphone-linked infotainment system

Front door- and console-mounted knee pads

2014 Scion iQ

Like the FR-S, the 2014 Scion iQ is treated to a new standard touch-screen audio system and optional smartphone-linked infotainment system. In addition, the diminutive 4-passenger hatchback now offers a Monogram Series variant, limited to 150 units and distinguished by unique two-tone paint, upgraded alloy wheels, and special floor mats.

A fully electric iQ EV variant is also available, though Scion had not released information for the 2014 model year at the time this article was written.

What’s New:

Standard touch-screen audio system

Optional smartphone-linked infotainment system

Monogram Series model

2014 Scion tC

To those unfamiliar with the Scion brand, including two small sport coupes in what is a very narrow model lineup might appear to be an exercise in redundancy. In reality, the FR-S and tC are quite different. For one thing, the tC is front-wheel drive (FWD) and it’s equipped with a larger Toyota-built 4-cylinder engine, whereas the RWD FR-S and all its components were developed in partnership with Subaru (which offers the nearly identical BRZ ).

For 2014, the tC offers updated styling, retuned suspension, standard and optional audio upgrades found on every other Scion model, revised optional 6-speed automatic transmission with downshift rev-matching, updated 6-speed manual transmission engineered to better handle torque steer, and the application of higher-quality interior materials. There’s also a new 10 Series special edition highlighted by unique 18-inch alloy wheels and a body-color lower body kit.

What’s New:

Standard touch-screen audio system

Optional smartphone-linked infotainment system

Updated interior and exterior styling

LED daytime running lights and taillights

Absolutely Red and Blue Streak Metallic paint colors

Revised optional 6-speed automatic transmission

Retuned chassis

10 Series special edition

2014 Scion xB

As this article is written, Scion has not released information for a 2014 model. After several years of speculation, it’s likely the xB will be discontinued. Vehicles produced later in the 2013 model year are available with a standard touch-screen audio system or optional smartphone-linked infotainment system.

What’s New:

2014 model-year information not yet available

2014 Scion xD

Like the xB, it’s a widely accepted conclusion that the Scion xD’s days are numbered, though the car does soldier on for the 2014 model year with the new touch-screen audio and optional infotainment system upgrades. Scion has also added a couple of different two-tone paint color options for buyers to consider.